Russia: Zabaikalye region to offer individual gold mining

The authorities of the Zabaikalye region want to allow individual gold extraction to increase alluvial gold output from 10 to 20 kg.

The relevant amendments to the various bills have already been prepared and sent to the State Duma.

Individual gold extraction has been prohibited in Russia since 1954. In 1990s the authorities of the Magadan region tried to change the situation, but to no avail. In 2003 the president did not sign the bill on individual gold extraction.

According to the latest suggestions of the Ministry of environment, individual extraction of alluvial gold should only be allowed in the Magadan region. Moreover deposits to be developed will be limited to 10 kg of gold, their size to 0.15 square kilometers and the license to 5 years. (Ukrainian metal)